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Application of a decision-making protocol in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract:

Medical practice implies a continuous process of decision-making that involves diagnostic, prognosis, therapeutic and medical ethics, with the diagnostic process being the most probable nosologic option. Contemporary bioethical reflection in neonatology has focused on hospitalized children, congenital malformations and neonatal euthanasia. However, attention given to medical and nursing activities in medical practice has been scarce. This paper assessed the fulfillment of the decision-making protocol in the neonates admitted to the intensive care unit of the Hospital Ginecoobstétrico de Guanabacoa. A descriptive, prospective, and longitudinal study was made. All neonates admitted from January 2005 to December 2008 were studied. Data were obtained from medical records and admission charts in neonatal Intensive Care Units. A survey was applied to mothers and relatives of the neonates. Results showed that doctors and nurses satisfied the requirements established in the decision-making protocol, a high level of satisfaction for medical services and an adequate medical-patient relationship, which is the basis of good medical practice. Copyrigth © Sociedad Iberoamericana de Información Científica (SIIC), 2011.